Natural Hazards: Weather

What conditions would be considered the most favorable for the development of a tropical depression or storm? Select all that apply. There is more than one.

-Low air pressure -Warm surface water temperatures

Which of the following weather conditions exist due to a low pressure system? There are more than two.

-Snow -Cloudy Skies -Rain

Which of these would be good ways to prepare during a tornado warning? Select all that apply. There is more than one.

-Taking an emergency kit that includes water, food, and first-aid supplies. -Taking shelter underground, such as a basement

What measurements could be used to estimate the severity of a hurricane forming in the ocean? Select all that apply. There are more than two.

-The water temperature of that part of the ocean -The air pressure near the hurricane -The overall size of the hurricane

You hear the weather forecaster predicting a warm front coming through your area in during the day. What kind of day should you prepare for?

A cloudy, warm and humid day.

What conditions might prompt the National Weather Service to issue a severe storm warning to an area?

A cold front approaching an area with high humidity

Where does the energy for a storm come from?

A difference in temperature between different regions of air

What kind of air pressure system would most likely trigger a prediction for a pleasant, sunny day?

A high pressure system

The weather in your area has been warm and sunny, with relatively calm winds. What is the most likely explanation for this?

A high pressure system settled over the area.

The weather forecast predicts an area of high pressure will remain over your town for the next few days. How do you predict this will affect the weather?

A higher chance of clear, sunny days, and a lower chance of precipitation.

You notice that your barometer indicates the air pressure has been decreasing steadily over the past few hours. How do you predict this will affect the weather?

A lower chance of a sunny day and a higher chance of precipitation.

Juan noticed that sunny skies suddenly became stormy. Which most likely happened when the weather changed in this way?

Air pressure dropped.

What kind of data are used to predict severe weather events?

All of these are used to predict severe weather events.

The air in your area has become very warm, humid, and "sticky" feeling over the past day. What change might be occurring that would account for this?

An incoming warm front

Which of these weather instruments is best used to predict a future change in local weather?

Barometer

As a warm moist air mass moving northward collides with a strong cold air mass moving southward, what observations will most likely be made?

Clouds begin to form.

What kind of incoming air front would most likely trigger a severe storm, followed by a temperature drop?

Cold front

You are developing a barometer that sends you an alert if there is an increased risk of a storm. What event should trigger the alert?

Decreasing air pressure

You feel a sudden increase in wind, dark clouds are approaching from the west, and you hear the faint rumble of thunder. Without checking the news or your instruments, which of these would you expect?

Decreasing air pressure and an incoming cold front

What would be a good way to react to an incoming storm with high amounts of lightning?

Finding a shelter as quickly as possible.

What happens to a moist air mass as it moves upward in the atmosphere?

It becomes cooler and forms clouds.

What most likely happens when a cold air mass comes into contact with a warm, moist air mass?

Rain or snow begins to fall.

What forms of tracking could be used to help predict severe weather events?

Satellite monitoring of cloud activity

What statement is correct about predicting hurricanes and tropical storms?

These storms only form during seasons where water and air temperatures are high.

In general, how do incoming cold fronts affect the weather?

They bring an increased chance of precipitation, followed by colder temperatures.

How do the conditions for a tornado differ from the conditions for a hurricane?

Tornadoes form over land, while hurricanes form over bodies of water.

What is a major factor in the formation of hurricanes?

Warm ocean water

What condition would you expect to be favorable for the formation of a tropical storm over the ocean?

Warmer than average surface water temperature

Cirrus clouds

are high feathery clouds. They are up so high they are actually made of ice particles. They are indicators of fair weather when they are scattered in a clear blue sky.

Cumulus clouds

are the puffy clouds that look like puffs of cotton. Cumulus clouds that do not get very tall are indicators of fair weather. If they do grow tall, they can turn into thunderstorms. The bottom of cumulus clouds are fairly close to the ground.

Which condition is associated with most warm fronts?

cloud formations bringing precipitation

Stratus clouds

look like flat sheets of clouds. These clouds can mean an overcast day or steady rain. They may stay in one place for several days.

The reading on a barometer rises when the air

pressure increases.

Cumulonimbus clouds often form along cold fronts. Which type of weather is most likely to occur along a cold front?

rain with possible severe thunderstorms